Parking Lot Drive-In Theater Potential with Continental's In-Cabin ProjectorParking Lot Drive-In Theater Potential with Continental's In-Cabin Projector

Continental has showcased in-cabin projection technology that can turn any parking lot into a drive-in theater.

The technology projects high-definition images onto the side windows of a parked car to create a viewable screen to display a variety of moving images and static images.

Of course, the bigger the windows, the bigger the potential images to the point of allowing a small audience in other vehicles to crowd round with the popcorn and soda.

Presented at this year’s CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Continental says the technology is coupled with artificial intelligence software developed in collaboration with platform provider banbutsu, whose digital ecosystem can personalize the content for the user.

To display content on the side windows, the system uses a powerful mini-projector, a side window that can be fully darkened electrically to act as a projection surface and the AI software.

A space-saving projection unit installed in the roof lining of the vehicle projects the content, which is visible from the outside, and the ultra-efficient mini-projector requires less than half a liter of installation space.

The AI-powered eTravel.companion software uses data on driving habits, geographical and weather data as well as additional information from the vehicle’s sensors to create new user experiences.

It uses data on learned user preferences and the vehicle’s current situation, generating suggestions in real time, which can also be displayed on the windows before getting into the vehicle. For example, vehicle information and pre-planned route suggestions can be displayed as the user approaches the car before getting in.

Pavel Prouza, head of user experience at Continental, says: “With our Window Projection solution, we can project content in impressive quality onto the vehicle’s side windows. This can be personalized to the driver’s lifestyle, strengthening their bond with the brand. The system can be easily integrated into the roof lining as it requires very little space. Our engineers are already working on additional measures to make future generations of the system even more compact.”